Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/187632
•pg_3-12__BMT_pg3-58 9/25/13 1:27 AM Page 9 Reviewing the Center's existing labor supplier model in conjunction with the private management firm to identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve the delivery of labor services. Reviewing the Center's existing work rules to identify opportunities to enhance the Center's ability to compete with peer facilities across the country and increase future bookings at the Center, which will generate additional work hours for labor and generate a positive economic impact for the region. Fox said this initiative began when the Center started its initial discussions with unions and other stakeholders to review and identify opportunities to improve the current Customer Satisfaction Agreement. Implementing a strategy to increase billing transparency for customers so that costs are clearly identified and explained in a timely and efficient manner. Fox said his goal is to work with SMG to identify industry best practices and strategies in place at other venues that can be implemented at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. "The Board of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority is committed to doing what is necessary to ensure that this building fulfills its promise as an economic engine for our region by enhancing our ability to compete effectively with other venues through the highest level of customer service, competitive pricing and delivering the best possible customer experience," said Fox. "The hiring of SMG to manage the Center's operations is a first but significant step in modernizing our operations and improving our ability to rebook our existing customers while attracting new events, meetings, conferences and trade shows." TRAVEL EMPLOYMENT CONTINUES TO LEAD IN JOB GROWTH Gains in Travel Jobs Outpacing Rest of Economy by 25 Percent Since Early 2010 David Huether, senior vice president of research and economics at the U.S. Travel Association, provides analysis on the recent Labor Department announcement that the U.S. economy added 195,000 jobs in June while the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 7.6 percent: "The travel industry continues to gain steam, adding 22,600 jobs last month and accounting for almost 12 percent of the increase in total non-farm jobs. Monthly job growth in the travel industry has averaged 19,000 thus far in 2013, more than twice the average gain of 9,100 travel jobs per month in 2012. "Travel job growth in June was wide spread, occurring in food services and drinking places, the amusements, gambling, and recreation industry, as well as in lodging. "Since early 2010, the travel industry has been a significant source of employment growth for the economy by adding almost a half million jobs – a 6.3 percent increase. Moreover, employment growth in travel industry has outpaced employment growth in the rest of the economy by 25 percent since March 2010." 20TH ANNIVERSARY LITTLE MISS AFRICAN AMERICAN CROWNED AT SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT The beautiful Laila Ali served as host for the 20 year anniversary of the Little Miss African American Scholarship Pageant (LMAA) held on Sunday, August 4, 2013 at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles, CA. Pageant producer eLisa Ruffin once again inspired a full house as her talented tots and pre-teens performed amazingly. Celebrity judges included ABC-TV's "Grey's Anatomy" stars Chandra Wilson and James Pickens, Jr., OWN TV star Kym Whitley from "Raising Whitley," Nicklelodean's Arjay Smith, actress Roz Ryan and radio host and tv personality, Mother Love. The Little Miss African American Scholarship Pageant is one of the nation's most astute educational programs dedicated to empowering young African-American women between the ages of 6 and 12 with the concepts of CAP Confidence, Awareness and Pride. Ruffin, an actress and choreographer, has successfully utilized the pageant format to introduce girls from around the country to the arts, introduce them to public speaking and engage them in individual creativity. Pictured here (l-r) Adia Shabazz (blue dress) , Miyae Folkes, Nay Nay Kirby (Little Miss African American 2013), pageant producer Lisa Ruffin, Mariah Hall, Alexis Pryor, Laila Ali, and far right – Shavon Lucky (Little Miss African American 2012) - photo credit: Dana Fikes. For more information on the pageant, go to www.Littlemissafricanamericaninc.org. B M & T ••• September/October 2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 9